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STEP ONE: Prepare the following documents before meeting with your immigration advisor:
- Form I-983 Training Plan (PDF)
- Form G-1145 (PDF)
- Form I-765 - *Please note some new changes with the new I-765 form. You need to complete the page 7 and list all of your previous CPTs, OPTs, Economic Hardships and SEVIS numbers (if prior SEVIS numbers). Refer to the Form I-765 FAQ: STEM Extension Guide (PDF).
- Filing Fee payable to US Department of Homeland Security
- 2 new passport style photographs, in color, with I-94 and full name written on back
- Copy of valid passport page
- Copy of visa
- Copy of I-94 record (https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home)
- Copy of current, un-expired EAD card (front & back)
- Copy of your MNSU diploma
- Copy of transcripts issued by Minnesota State University, Mankato indicating the date of graduation and level of the degree conferred
STEP TWO: Set up a meeting with an immigration advisor in the Kearney Center to review your documents. Your immigration advisor will prepare the following documents for you:
- SEVIS event history print out
- I-20 with OPT STEM Extension recommendation
- You will sign and date it.
- You will send a copy of the I-20 and keep the original.
STEP THREE: After going through the entire OPT packet with your immigration advisor, package the following documents into a legal-sized envelope:
- Step 1 documents 2-10
- Step 2 documents 1-2
STEP FOUR: Send the package to USCIS. REMEMBER:
- You are responsible for sending all items of your OPT application to the USCIS.
- Find the appropriate Lockbox to send your OPT application on the USCIS website.
- You MUST send the package within 30 days of the processing date on your I-20 with OPT recommendation.